A Yeovil Town Under-23s side went out of the Premier League Under-23 Cup on Thursday night, with a 2-0 scoreline ending their first season in the competition. A goal in each half from Plymouth Argyle allowed the home side to progress to the Group Stages in this Second Qualifying Round tie at Home Park, as Klaidi Lolos and Cameron Sangster did the damage.

The Glovers fielded a side built almost entirely around their Under-18s set-up, with only 18 year old Gabriel Rogers providing inputs from the professional ranks. Despite this, they had plenty of first half opportunities, with Rogers cutting inside and sending a shot from the edge of the box just wide of Mike Cooper's near post. Dan Neild fired wide from distance, followed by Devon Arnold's drive over the crossbar from inside the box.

Argyle's slow start gradually began to be resolved, with their captain Adam Randell getting two good chances to score. But barely a minute after Klaidi Lolos had struck the crossbar, the Argyle striker broke the deadlock, latching onto a through ball from Reuben Collum. He rounded Glovers keeper Kacper Kowalczyk, who almost got a touch on the ball, before Lolos slotted home for a 1-0 lead for the Devon side at the break.

Yeovil had been unfortunate not to level, with Toby Stephens forcing Mike Cooper into a strong save from 12 yards out, with the loose ball being hacked away. He then saved at his near post from Gabriel Rogers, who had skinned two Pilgrims defenders before firing off a shot. That theme continued during the second period with Devon Arnold seeing a pair of chances going wide.

But on the night, Argyle's finishing was superior. As the game drew towards a close, Klaidi Lolos forced Kacper Kowalczyk to save with his legs, but there wasn't a lot the Glovers keeper could do about the one that doubled the Pilgrims' lead. In an attempt to clear his lines, defender Toby Stephens ended up putting the ball onto his own crossbar, and Cameron Sangster took advantage of the chaos to score from close range on the rebound. Despite Gabriel Rogers and Devon Arnold forcing Argyle keeper Mike Cooper into further saves, they couldn't force a late goal, and so head out of the tournament after two matches, with Argyle getting a chance in the Group matches.

Yeovil Town's starting line-up for the Premier League Under-23 Cup match against Plymouth Argyle has been named. The Second Qualifying Round match takes place at Home Park tonight for a place in the Group stages. Tonight's team sees the Glovers select almost entirely from their Under-18s set-up with Gabriel Rogers the only professional player named in the fifteen players selected.

The match will be settled tonight, with extra time and penalties if required. The team is as follows:

Former Yeovil Town defender Bevis Mugabi has got himself a new club. He's been signed up by Scottish Premiership side Motherwell, who currently lie in fifth place in the 2019-20 season league table, with four matches played. He's signed a short term deal until January 2020, having had trials with League One sides Wycombe Wanderers and Bury during July, with the latter obviously never reaching a final offer due to the Shakers' expulsion from the Football League.

Mugabi's delay in finding a new club was also hindered by his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations Finals in Egypt, where he played regularly for Uganda, meaning that he only returned to England in mid-July. He's now making his first trip to Scotland, and he's explained that he asked former Glovers striker Alex Fisher what life was like north of the border. Mugabi explained:

"I'm excited for a new challenge at Motherwell. I can't wait to get started. I spoke to some of my old team-mates who had played in Scotland, including Alex Fisher. They told me it was a great opportunity, with Alex telling me how great a place Motherwell was."

Manager Stephen Robinson has said that he does have a clear vacancy in his first eleven for Mugabi to grab a place, due to some injury problems involving central defenders, suggesting that he sees him filling in there, rather than at right-back. Robinson explained:

"We've an injury concern over one of our centre backs, so Bevis comes in to shore up the gap that might leave. He's an experienced player with a lot of games under his belt in England. He's big, strong and will give us another option at the back."

Yeovil Town goalkeeper Marcin Brzozowski has returned to Queens Park Rangers. The 20 year old was at Huish Park on a one month loan spell, having been brought in as a replacement for Reading keeper Liam Driscoll. He made two appearances for the Glovers, but lost his place to Liam O'Brien and also picked up an injury that meant that he didn't travel to Halifax Town on Saturday.

His one month loan deal has now expired and the club will not be extending it further. At present, it's not clear when first choice goalkeeper Stuart Nelson will recover from his groin injury, but for now it seems that O'Brien will remain between the sticks for Saturday's match against AFC Fylde.

Yeovil Town second year scholar Tai Fleming has joined Daniel Ojo on loan. The pair will both play for Southern League Division One South side Melksham Town, with Fleming's deal badged as a Work Experience Loan deal, which in practice means the Glovers still have control on his whereabouts, with the defender able to be selected for the Premier League Under-23 Cup and FA Youth Cup matches. It's not clear if this would extend to the Somerset Premier Cup at this stage.

Fleming is a 17 year old defender, who has recently been captaining the club's Under-18s side. He was recruited from Norwich City's Academy system just over a year ago, and featured for the club's first team in a number of their early pre-season friendlies this summer. The best of luck to him in his new environment.

The latest loan deal brings the total of players away from Huish Park up to five. Striker Ryan Seager is at Havant and Waterlooville, midfielders Alex John and Nestor Shako are at Gosport Borough, whilst Ojo and Fleming will be at Melksham Town.

Yeovil Town left-back Daniel Ojo has gone out on loan. He has joined Southern League Division One South side Melksham Town, after struggling to break into the first team squad during the 2019-20 season. He will stay with the Wiltshire side until January 2020.

Ojo has so far played just one minute of first team football, whilst he has not been named on the teamsheet since the club's third match of the season, with an increased squad size gradually limiting his chances of being selected. Having made seven appearances during the 2018-19 season, mainly as a result of Carl Dickinson's temporary exile from Huish Park. Dickinson's return to the fold has made it hard for the 18 year old to break into the side, and so the loan move makes sense to all parties at this stage.

Daniel is the fourth Yeovil Town player to go out on loan, with Ryan Seager at Havant and Waterlooville and midfield pair Alex John and Nestor Shako at Gosport Borough at present. The best of luck to Daniel during his time in Wiltshire.

Two of Yeovil Town's younger first team players have gone out on loan today. Midfielder Alex John and attacking midfielder/winger Nestor Shako have both joined Southern League Southern Premier Division side Gosport Borough on loan deals that will run until January 2020.

Both players were given professional deals over the summer as 18 year old graduates of the club's Academy system. However, John has not made it onto a teamsheet during the 2019-20 season, whilst Shako has played just nine minutes of football on the opening day of the season at Barnet, with him only getting onto the teamsheet on three occasions.

Gosport are currently 13th in their league table, but three points off the division's play-off system. The best of luck to them over the next three and a half months.

Advance ticketing information for the National League fixture between Hartlepool United and Yeovil Town is now available. The match takes place on Saturday 5th October 2019 with a 3.00p.m. kick-off at Victoria Park.

Yeovil Town supporters will be housed in the Smith and Graham Stand, which is a covered seated stand situated behind one of the goals. However, they will charge fans at their terrace rates on the basis that they are not opening any standing accommodation for away fans for this fixture. Tickets are only available in advance via Hartlepool's online portal. Admission prices are as follows:

Concessions apply to those aged 60 or over, Students, those aged Under-19 and members of the Armed Forces.

To purchase tickets in advance, head to Hartlepool United's ticketing website, with the Yeovil match available here. Choose Block E in the Smith and Graham Stand. There are e-ticket and SMS options you can choose if you don't have a printer.

Wheelchair and Ambulant Disabled supporters are charged as per the above categories but can admit an assistant free of charge if they are on the higher rate of DLA or the enhanced rate of PIP. Tickets must be purchased from Hartlepool's main Ticket Office. Please take proof of status or a letter of entitlement.

If you choose to pay on the day, then credit/debit card payments must be made at the main Ticket Office which will be open from 10.00a.m. Alternatively, cash only payments can be made direct from Turnstiles 1 or 2, which are situated next to the Ticket Office on Clarence Road. Turnstiles will open around one hour before kick-off. However, allow extra time for queuing if you pay on the day.

Saturday afternoon saw Yeovil Town go all the way up to Halifax Town and then come all the way back with three points. Not too surprising that the latest Taff's Gloversblog is a Sunny Side Up offering, providing a review of how that game went, and where the team and squad stand after ten games of the 2019-20 season. Read on via the link below, and feel free to post your own views on how things are progressing.

The Green and White Supporters Club have set their travel plans for the National League match against Solihull Moors. The match takes place at Damson Park on Saturday 21st September 2019, with a 3.00p.m. kick-off. Departure times and prices are listed as follows:

To place your booking, send a text message to Paul Hadlow on 07736 044570. If you want to call him please only do so after 6.00p.m. You can also reach him at paulhadlow@outlook.com

Remember in all cases to ensure you make clear which match you are booking for, your full name (and any other names you are booking for) and a contact telephone number. You may be asked to pay a deposit of £5.00 to reserve your seat for the trip.

Advance ticketing information for the National League fixture between Aldershot Town and Yeovil Town is now available. The match takes place on Tuesday 24th September, with a 7.45p.m. kick-off at the Recreation Ground.

Advance tickets are only available via Aldershot's online ticketing website. Head to this page for the Yeovil Town match (the main menu page is here). Prices depend on whether you're purchasing Terrace tickets or Stand tickets. These are as follows:

Concessions apply to Over-65s, Military Personnel, Young Adults (aged 19-21) and Students. Juniors apply to those aged 18 and Under.

For children Under-11, they can obtain FREE admission with a full-paying Adult. However, these tickets need to be purchased from the ticket office prior to entry through the turnstiles, and do not appear to be available online.

Disabled tickets (along with assistants) should be booked in advance via the Aldershot Ticket Office. You can purchase on the day, but Aldershot warn that there are limited Wheelchair spaces, so this is not advised - you'll also need to go via the Ticket Office on the day if you've not prebooked.

All Away Supporters enter the ground via Redan Hill to through turnstiles 11 (terrace) and 12 (seats). This game will be segregated. Away supporters will be seated in the South Stand, whilst those standing will be in the South East Corner of the stadium, which is an uncovered terrace. Turnstiles open at 6.30p.m.

Away supporters are welcome into Aldershot's hospitality lounges. For more details and prices for their packages, please contact mark.butler@theshots.co.uk

Following Saturday afternoon's National League match against Halifax Town at the Shay Stadium, Yeovil Town striker Gold Omotayo spoke to the BBC about the game. With questions from local journalist Chris Spittles, in an interview for BBC Somerset, Gold gives his views on his two goals, his arrival at the club, and the difficulties of training over the summer following Bury's financial problems. Read that interview in full via the link below.

Yeovil Town attacking midfielder Myles Hippolyte has been included in the National League's Team Of The Week. Their selection, chosen by their betting partner, includes the former Dunfermline Athletic player following his performance in the club's 2-0 victory over Halifax Town.

Hippolyte played as the most attacking midfielder, operating just behind the front pair, and it was his early deflected shot that came off the woodwork into the path of Gold Omotayo for the opening goal of the game. After the match, manager Darren Sarll named Hippolyte as one of two players who he saw as star performers on the day of the match.

The team chosen - as with the Non-League Paper's weekend selection - includes former Yeovil Town loanee Kabongo Tshimanga in the line-up and is as follows:

Yeovil Town's loan deal for Crawley Town midfielder Jimmy Smith has now been confirmed. The 32 year old former Leyton Orient and Stevenage player has agreed a four month loan deal, until January 2nd 2020, and will now head to Huish Park to play under Darren Sarll, who he rubbed shoulders with during the 2013-14 season.

Smith has yet to play for Crawley during the 2019-20 season, having missed the majority of the 2018-19 season with an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury. As such the motive would appear to be to give him a chance to get himself proper game time at a slightly lower level, in order to resurrect his career in the Football League. At the same time, Yeovil Town get another experienced body in midfield to compete with the likes of Charlie Lee, James Tilley and Matt Worthington, as well as providing an option for wing slots if a 4-4-2 is deployed. Crawley Director of Football Selim Gaygusuz has said of the move:

"Jimmy has opted to to go Yeovil so he can get some game time under his belt. After missing much of last season this is something he needs and we wish him all the best at Yeovil. He will come back to us in January and I'm sure he will work hard to try and force his way into the squad in the second half of the season."

For a full profile of Jimmy's career, see the earlier news item. He will wear the No.5 shirt whilst he is at Yeovil Town.

Yeovil Town are believed to be signing Crawley Town midfielder Jimmy Smith on loan. The 32 year old is expected to move to Huish Park on a temporary deal in a bid to get more football than he is currently getting at his parent club in League Two.

Born in Newham in London, on January 7th 1987, he's a former Chelsea Academy player, who made one first team appearance for them back in the 2005-06 season, coupled with loan spells with Queens Park Rangers (31 appearances, 6 goals), Norwich City (9 appearances), Sheffield Wednesday (13 appearances) and Leyton Orient.

When Chelsea released him in the summer of 2009, he decided to join Orient permanently, spending four seasons with them as a regular in their side, making 189 appearances, and scoring 22 goals. Smith then moved onto Stevenage, playing for them during the 2013-14 season. At that time, Glovers first team boss Darren Sarll was Stevenage's Head of Youth and so he would have come into contact with Smith on the training ground. Although he was a regular in their side, making 47 appearances and scoring three goals, he left them following Stevenage's relegation from League One into fourth tier football.

In the summer of 2014, Smith signed for Crawley Town for an undisclosed fee. He's been on their books for the last five years, and had been a regular for them up until last season. Unfortunately an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September 2018 meant he spent the whole of that year out of action, returning only for a two minute cameo on the final day of the season. He's not been able to force his way into their side this season, meaning that his career at Crawley has stalled on 169 appearances and 20 goals.

At Crawley, Smith became their captain, relinquishing that only upon his long term injury. He generally plays as a central midfielder although can occupy wide roles if required.

At present neither club have properly revealed the move. However, at 2.58p.m. today, Crawley Town's website briefly put up an article entitled "Jimmy Smith Joins Yeovil Town On Loan" - this has been taken down already which would imply that the deal has been done, but both clubs planned to release the information later in the day.

Yeovil Town striker Ryan Seager's loan spell with National League South side Havant and Waterlooville has started off with a pair of substitute appearances. The 23 year old has been given the chance of obtaining more first team football via a temporary deal with the Hawks that will see them keep him until January 2020.

On Wednesday 4th September, Ryan made his debut for Havant, coming on as an early 15th minute substitute, following an injury to Alfie Rutherford, giving him a quick chance to impress. By that time Havant were 1-0 up, and they went on to beat Hungerford Town 3-1, with Seager himself being substituted in the 81st minute for fellow striker Danny Kedwell, giving him a total of 66 minutes on the field of play.

On Saturday 9th September, Havant made the trip to Maidstone United, and for the second game running, Seager was on the bench. He came on as a half time substitute in that match, replacing Bradley Tarbuck. At that point, Havant were 1-0 down, but recovered to draw the game by a 2-2 scoreline, with Seager ultimately getting 45 minutes of football during that game.

Havant and Waterlooville next play on Saturday, with a National League South home match against Braintree Town.

For those who want to view match highlights of Yeovil Town's National League match against Halifax Town these are now online. There is just over four-and-a-half minutes worth of footage from the 2-0 victory available, including the two goals that Gold Omotayo scored on the day, to open up his Glovers account. Watch via the YouTube clip below.

Following Saturday afternoon's 2-0 win over Halifax Town at the Shay Stadium, Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll spoke to the BBC. With questions from local journalist Chris Spittles, in an interview for BBC Somerset, Darren's full verdict on the match, along with injury updates on Charlie Lee and Courtney Duffus, can be read via the link below.

Yeovil Town duo Gold Omotayo and Darren Sarll have been nominated for the Team Of The Day. The eleven players and manager have been chosen by the Non-League Paper following yesterday's matches in the National League, which included Yeovil's 2-0 win over Halifax Town, choosing the twelve personnel that they believe have had the most influence on the weekend's results.

Striker Gold Omotayo, who was on the books of Bury last season, recorded his first two goals of his Yeovil Town career, scoring in each half, to secure all three points. Meanwhile first team manager Darren Sarll had a very good week, with his team picking up a maximum nine points from their last three fixtures, with yesterday's victory toppling the National League leaders on their own patch.

The full eleven and Manager of the Day are shown below, with former Glovers loanee Kabongo Tshimanga also includeed in their line-up:

Premier League Under-23 Cup opponents Plymouth Argyle have put tickets on sale for their match against Yeovil Town. The Second Qualifying Round game, which will decide which club joins Fulham, Everton and Watford in the next stages, takes place at Home Park on Thursday 12th September, with a 7.00p.m. kick-off.

During the last match, Yeovil Town fielded an Academy side, supplemented by a few fringe first team players. Competition rules allow clubs to field up to three overage players in outfield positions, whilst the goalkeeper can be any age.

Plymouth Argyle's pricing for this fixture (which appears to be unsegregated) is as follows:

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll feels that the aggression from his side's creative players is beginning to create dividends, after watching his side win 2-0 against Halifax Town on Saturday afternoon. The victory against the morning's National League leaders at the Shay Stadium, came via two strikes from former Bury striker Gold Omotayo, who opened his account for the club in his third appearance.

However, Sarll singled out the likes of Matt Worthington and Myles Hippolyte for their contributions to the victory, with Hippolyte claiming an assist for the opening goal, whilst it was Worthington's ball into the penalty box that set up Omotayo for his second of the afternoon. That sort of play had a lot to do with the increased number of chances the Glovers created during the game, and Sarll said that came down to how his midfield creators were begining to impose themselves on the opposition:

"I think that what is starting to show, especially with the creative players, is the aggression that is coming out of their play. Matt Worthington and Myles Hippolyte were not only goood in possession today, but they won the ball back and they covered some ground. No-one gets a minute's composure or a minute to relax when they're pressing you. I thought they were our best two players by a mile. They're showing good aggression and if they're going to play for me, they're going to have to that aggression. I thought James Tilley when he came on, he showed that same aggression, and he continued in the right sort of vein."

On the overall match, Sarll added that his side could have easily grabbed five or six goals by half time, with home keeper Sam Johnson having to be in strong form to keep the scoreline down in that opening period. As such he always felt the second goal would eventually come Yeovil's way:

"I thought we were good. I thought it was a good performance. I thought we got better and better into the game. In the first half I thought we could have been five or six up probably with the amount of good chances, and the amount of saves that the goalkeeper had to make. It was excellent in the first half. Then in the second half I just thought we showed a lot more control and a lot more composure. We looked as though we had some good organisation in our shape, and I just felt it was only a matter of time before we got that second goal and extended the lead, and again we probably could have had two or three more in the second half."

In terms of injuries, midfielder Charlie Lee came off with what appeared to be a dead leg early in the second half, after he was on the wrong end of a strong first half challenge. Sarll doesn't believe this is a serious knock, but had more concerns about striker Courtney Duffus, who limped off in the 81st minute with a hamstring problem, with the club's physio needing to advise whether he thinks the issue is general fatigue, or whether he may have torn anything.

If you watched Saturday's 2-0 win against Halifax Town at the Shay Stadium, don't forget to cast your Man of the Match votes. Choose your top three players from the match, plus entertainment and performance ratings along with any other comments you want to make on the game, using the form below.

Yeovil Town picked up their third win in a row with a 2-0 victory over National League leaders Halifax Town on Saturday. Two goals from former Bury striker Gold Omotayo set his Glovers career on its way, with the first coming after he lashed the ball into the roof of the net, with just four minutes on the clock. The home side twice hit the woodwork during the second period as they tried to get an equalising goal, but Omotayo got his second with 24 minutes remaining when he hit a loose ball inside the box to double Yeovil's lead, ultimately lifting his new side up to 6th place in the National League table.

The Glovers went into the match making one change to their starting line-up compared to the team that had beaten Sutton United in midweek. In came Albi Skendi, replacing Gabriel Rogers, which allowed the chance for a formation, with the 3-4-1-2 line-up being restored. There was a pre-match blow, with goalkeeper Marcin Brzozowski dropping out through injury, leaving no substitute keeper on the bench.

The match got off to a perfect start from Yeovil Town's point of view as they took the lead four minutes into the match. Myles Hippolyte's shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off a Halifax player and rebounded off the post and back out into play. In the chaos that caused, Gold Omotayo managed to get some room on the left side of the area, firing off an angled drive that flew into the roof of the net past the Halifax keeper. 1-0 up.

Halifax keeper Sam Johnson was rather busy during the first half, as he saved a long range Matt Worthington attempt, with his one handed parry over the crossbar from a Courtney Duffus shot particularly impressive. Halifax did try to force their way back into the game with Liam Nolan forcing Liam O'Brien to tip over for a corner, with Josh Staunton finding his header going wide from the resultant corner.

However, Yeovil looked superior going forward, with Remeao Hutton's overlapping runs on the right flank particularly effective. He produced one curling cross that Gold Omotayo had turned over the crossbar by Sam Johnson as he headed towards goal. Johnson denied Yeovil again, as Carl Dickinson's cleverly chipped free kick was nudged around the post for a corner. But Yeovil really should have been further ahead before the break, particularly when Matt Worthington was unmarked inside the six yard box with a Hutton ball put into the box towards him. Anywhere away from Johnson and it was a guaranteed goal, but the keeper got a reflex arm out to spoon it away. A long range Myles Hippolyte attempt saw Johnson scrambling just before the break, in a highly impressive half for the Glovers.

Halifax brought on top goalscorer Liam McAlinden at the break, and appeared to be fired up, noticeably when Tobi Sho-Silva forced the match referee to restart the second half four times as the striker encroached before Yeovil could kick off. Sho-Silva's enthusiasm was channelled in a better way for Halifax when he slammed a 20 yard strike off the foot of the post a couple of minutes into the half - a reminder for Yeovil that they hadn't won the match yet.

Midfielder Charlie Lee picked up a dead leg five minutes before the half time whistle and his attempts to continue were in vain, as James Tilley replaced him in midfield. That change seemed to lose Yeovil a bit of tempo, and Halifax's improved start to the second period was again emphasised when Jeff King struck a shot from the edge of the box off the crossbar as they caught Yeovil on the break.

Yeovil though had the perfect answer in terms of how to shut up Halifax's improved showing. On 66 minutes, a Matt Worthington shot wasn't held by Sam Johnson, and inside a crowded box, Gold Omotayo was able to react to slam the ball into the back of the net from around 10 yards out. 2-0 up, and finally a buffer to shield their lead.

That goal seemed to take the wind out of Halifax's sails somewhat, and they got a bit tetchy about the situation, with Halifax manager Pete Wild being cautioned for dissent to one of the occasions when referee Joe Hull didn't award his side a free kick. Yeovil's passage through the final minutes was a comfortable one, despite Courtney Duffus limping off near the end. In fact they could have had a third goal on 90 minutes when Gold Omotayo ended up clean through on goal. He ended up in a face-off with keeper Sam Johnson, and the Halifax's staring contest won on that occasion, with Omotayo being denied the match ball by the keeper's block. However, the three points were the main thing that mattered and with Yeovil lifting themselves into sixth position after ten games, this is exactly the sort of start to the new season they would have hoped for.

Yeovil Town have issued their starting line-up for the National League match against Halifax Town. The match at the Shay Stadium sees one change to the starting line-up compared to the team that took to the field against Sutton United on Tuesday. Albi Skendi is preferred to Gabriel Rogers who drops to the bench. There's one further change on the bench, with goalkeeper Marcin Brzozowski absent through injury, with Olly McCoy replacing him.

The team lines up as follows, with an assumption that Skendi's return will see the Glovers revert to their wing-backs formation, although the versatility of Charlie Lee and Skendi means this is flexible:

The eagle-eyed may notice that Saturday's National League fixtures are a few clubs short, with just nine matches taking place during the normal Saturday kick-off time. Whilst Barnet have called their match off, due to international call-ups, and Hartlepool United and Woking will play in an evening televised match, Solihull Moors and Wrexham will be otherwise engaged.

The latter two clubs will be participating in the Scottish Challenge Cup, currently under the catchy title of the Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup. This unusual arrangement started last season, with Sutton United and Boreham Wood participating in the competition, alongside representatives of the NIFL Premiership, Welsh Premier League, and League of Ireland Premier Division.

That invitation is being extended to this season as well, with Solihull and Wrexham selected as the two highest placed National League sides from the 2018-19 season that did not achieve promotion. That means Solihull will be travelling to play Kelty Hearts today in Fife, whilst Ayr United have to head south to visit Wrexham's ground.

The competition will also see Ballymena United and Glenavon from Northern Ireland, The New Saints and Connah's Quay Nomads from Wales and Bohemians and Waterford from the Republic of Ireland participating in the Third Round stage. Last season Connah's Quay Nomads reached the final of the competition, almost leading to a Welsh side lifting the trophy.

If Yeovil Town don't get promoted this season, but finish 2nd, 3rd or 4th at the end of the 2019-20 season, then potentially they would also be invited into this competition during the 2020-21 season.

Officials for the National League match between FC Halifax Town and Yeovil Town have been published by the National League. The match takes place on Saturday 7th September 2019, with a 3.00p.m. kick-off at the Shay Stadium. The man in charge of the fixture will be referee Joe Hull (Cheshire). This is our tenth match of the 2019-20 season and the trend of the Glovers being given brand new officials continues, with us yet to be given an official that we have history with as a referee - he's been a linesman and a fourth official for two Football League matches but that's it.

This is Mr Hull's third season of refereeing at National League Premier division level. Last season he did 22 matches, with a very modest 47 yellow cards and one red card across the entire season. This season has continued that pattern with eight yellow cards from three matches, with no dismissals as yet. The most recent was the match between Bromley and Boreham Wood two weeks ago.

Mr Hull will be assisted by Martin Chester (Lincolnshire) and Christopher Reeson (Lincolnshire). The Fourth Official will be Darren Brown (Manchester).

As part of the build-up to the National League match against Halifax Town at the Shay Stadium, Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll spoke to the BBC. In an interview for BBC Somerset, Darren discusses the club's first back-to-back wins of the season, the current injury list, and Halifax's position at the top of the table. Read that interview via the link below.

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll is expecting to travel to Halifax Town on Saturday with roughly the same squad as was used on Tuesday night. Although he admits that he has some minor concerns about striker Courtney Duffus and midfielder Charlie Lee, he said they related to ongoing problems that they'd played through during Tuesday night's match against Sutton United, rather than anything new.

As such, they should be able to visit the Shay Stadium, to play the National League leaders with more or less the same players that have picked up two consecutive home wins during the last week. Sarll told BBC Somerset that he was particularly confident that Charlie Lee would play on Saturday, despite multiple issues:

"I don't think we got an injury on Tuesday. On Tuesday we came out unscathed, which was really positive, because we've still got some massive high risk players that are having to play a lot of minutes week-in, week-out. I think Charlie Lee seems to pick up lots of knocks just naturally because of the way that he plays. I've just seen him in the corridor and he's got two dead legs and a sore Achilles, and he's had a sore shoulder or something like that. But people like Charlie just play. They just say I'm fine and then they get on with it."

Three players that won't be present in Yorkshire are defender Lee Collins (hamstring), striker Rhys Murphy (hamstring) and goalkeeper Stuart Nelson (groin). All three have been missing in recent matches due to injury, and Sarll said there was no chance of any of them being back for the weekend:

"No they're not, in terms of Saturday, as a short term target, I don't think they're anywhere near Saturday. It will largely depend on how both of them respond today. But it's probably a bit too soon. Stuart Nelson won't be available either. Courtney Duffus played with a little bit of an injury on Tuesday night. Me and Courtney will have a couple of minutes together at some point I'm sure. The thing with Courtney is that he's actually putting his body into positions where I can understand him getting injured. It wouldn't be for the fact of him being soft or a little bit meek and mild. He's actually throwing his weight and his muscles and his power around. That's what happens when big boys do that. They start taking whacks and knocks and they have to get up and recover."

This week has seen Sarll bring in Brighton and Hove Albion winger James Tilley and former Coventry City goalkeeper Liam O'Brien brought into the club, with both getting onto the pitch during the Tuesday night match, to make their debuts. Sarll said that may not be the last of the arrivals, saying that he would always be asking questions of the Yeovil Town Board:

"I think the Board would love me to say I'm happy. I'm never happy - I've asked for two more since Tuesday! So I'm always asking and it's my job to ask and it's my job to push the boundaries. The day I stop asking is the day that I don't foresee any improvement in the playing squad. For me personally that would be a very sad day. So I'm always asking, and between myself, Terry Skiverton, Darren Behcet and even Nick Crittenden, who is a former player here and now Head of Finance, we're always on the phone and we're always getting phone calls about players that are available. I've really enjoyed that part, in that someone who works in the Finance department is out watching games for me."

As a former Assistant Manager of Dorchester Town, Crittenden's scouting role is not too much of a shock. The former wide man recently appeared as a co-commentator on BBC Somerset, revealing on the day of Yeovil Town's home match against Maidenhead United that he had been down to Plainmoor eleven days previously to view Torquay United's home match against the Berkshire side, feeding scouting information back to Sarll in terms of how the opposition set up during that match.

On Saturday, Yeovil Town make their first visit to The Shay Stadium for sixteen years. They face the reformed FC Halifax Town club that replaced the original Halifax Town club in 2008, but in terms of fans and stadium structure remains the same. The Ciderspace guide has had almost an entire rewrite given the time and circumstances that have passed - find directions, parking, pub guides, past meetings and their current form listed via the link below, to help you on your way.

Twelve days ago, Yeovil Town played host to Maidenhead United in a National League fixture at Huish Park. The game ended in a 1-2 home defeat, with Courtney Duffus providing the only plus point, at the tail end of a match in which the visitors had already gone two goals up.

Perhaps reflective of the game, the top three players on the day all occupied defensive positions. Two of those were full-backs, with captain Carl Dickinson occupying left-back slot and landing third spot in the polling. Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson continued to get high ratings from fans, but the poll winner - for the second match running - was right-back Craig Alcock, who has started the 2019-20 season strongly.

Full results are as shown below, with outright MOTM votes shown in brackets:

Yeovil Town's first season participating in the Premier League Under-23 Cup will see them given the carrot of matches against Everton, Fulham and Watford, if they can overcome Plymouth Argyle in the next Qualifying Round stage.

The Premier League have made the draw for this competition today, setting out the Group stages, which would see each side play each other home and away, with the top two sides from each group then moving into a knockout stage, as quarter-finalists.

Standing between that is a Second Qualifying Round match against Plymouth Argyle, which will be played on Thursday 12th September, with a 7.00p.m. kick-off at Home Park. This match would be settled on the night, with extra time and penalties, if required.

For those who want to view match highlights of Yeovil Town's 1-0 victory over Sutton United these are now available online. There is just over three minutes worth of footage that includes Tom Bradbury's winning goal, available via the YouTube clip below.

Following Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Sutton United at Huish Park, Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll spoke to the BBC about the game. With questions from local journalist Chris Spittles, in an interview for BBC Somerset, Darren's verdict on the home victory can be read in full, via the link below.

Yeovil Town striker Ryan Seager has agreed a loan switch from Huish Park. The 23 year old has joined National League South side Havant and Waterlooville in a deal that will last until January 2020. The Hawks are currently in third place in their division and are undefeated so far this season, and thus challenging for promotion back to the division they were relegated from at the end of last season.

Seager has struggled to break into the first team during the 2019-20 season, making two substitute appearance, totalling just 80 minutes. He did not make the club's teamsheet in last night's 1-0 win over Sutton United, with his last game time coming in the August 17th match at Barrow. However, since that game he scored a hat-trick for a Yeovil Town XI badged as an Under-23 side in their Premier League Under-23 League Cup qualifying match against Newport County.

He will join a Havant side with a couple of familiar faces. They currently have goalkeeper Kingsley Latham on loan from Southampton on a six month deal, whilst midfielder Wes Fogden has been on their books since leaving Yeovil Town in 2016.

If you watched Tuesday's 1-0 win against Sutton United at Huish Park, don't forget to cast your Man of the Match votes. Choose your top three players from the match, plus entertainment and performance ratings along with any other comments you want to make on the game, using the form below.

Yeovil Town managed their second consecutive home win as a goal from Tom Bradbury proved crucial against Sutton United. During a match that at times was frustrating for players and fans, patience eventually paid off in the 68th minute when Bradbury converted from close range, with Gold Omotayo's initial shot being blocked on the line. The visitors struggled to threaten after that point, allowing Yeovil a 1-0 victory that lifts them up to 9th place in the National League table, just one point off the play-off slots.

The Glovers went into the match making two changes to their starting line-up. Goalkeeper Liam O'Brien came in to make his debut for the club, displacing Marcin Brzozowski. Attacking midfielder Lawson D'Ath sat the game out with a knock, as Gabriel Rogers made his first start of the 2019-20 season. In the opposition line-up, Craig Eastmond played as a right-back for Sutton, with the visitors left so threadbare they could only name four substitutes, with one of their starters, Ben Wyatt, being signed on the day of the match to fill the holes.

Sutton started off reasonably well with Tom Bradbury having to block one shot on goal. However, Kenny Davis managed to get past the Yeovil back four by firing in a shot that debut boy Liam O'Brien got down to save well. However, once Yeovil got going they tried Sutton's defensive luck on a number of occasions, with former Glover Craig Eastmond sliding in to turn a cross out for a corner, whilst Ben Goodliffe put a Carl Dickinson cross over his own crossbar. Another inventive corner saw Luke Wilkinson head back across goal into the part of Charlie Lee who put a deflected header over the crossbar in what was close to a role reversal of their Saturday goal.

Sutton United's best effort on goal saw Harry Beautyman accept a David Ajiboye pullback which he fired at Liam O'Brien, but found the keeper equal to it as he palmed it over the crossbar. At the other end, Gabriel Rogers did well to weave his way inside the box, but his right-footed effort went into the side netting. Meanwhile Courtney Duffus put a shot wide from inside the box after Sutton couldn't clear their lines properly. A half that was generally okay, but needed a bit more of an attacking spark to scare Sutton United's defence, with their goalkeeper Jamie Butler not having a great amount to do.

The second period was a frustrating one to start with, as Yeovil attempted to unlock the Sutton United defence. Gabriel Rogers and Myles Hippolyte were swapped around in an attempt to shake things up, but the Glovers were struggling to create direct chances, with the only chance being a Tom Bradbury header that went over the bar from the corner.

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder James Tilley was brought on to replace Rogers just beyond the hour mark, and five minutes after that the breakthrough finally came. Courtney Duffus got the ball to the byline and pulled it back to Gold Omotayo. His initial shot was blocked on the line by Craig Eastmond, but the loose ball fell well to Tom Bradbury who fired home from close range for a 1-0 lead, and a bit of relief around the ground.

With Yeovil having their noses in front, they got a bit more room behind the Sutton defence to get further goals. A Charlie Lee header went over the crossbar, and then Myles Hippolyte had a strong pair of chances. One saw goalkeeper Jamie Butler block his shot at the near post and out for a corner, and then a defender got his body in the way of a second Hippolyte effort and yet another corner kick.

Sutton United never particularly looked like they were going to get back into it, despite them bringing on all three of their remaining outfield players. The match itself wasn't a classic, but it relied on a bit of patience to make the breakthrough. Once Yeovil got it, the three points looked relatively comfortable, lifting them up to 9th in the table, and a much more comfortable looking position than they'd had just eight days ago.

Yeovil Town have issued their starting line-up for the National League match against Sutton United. The match at Huish Park sees three changes to the starting line-up compared to the team that took to the field against Notts County on Saturday. New goalkeeper signing Liam O'Brien comes straight into the side, displacing Queens Park Rangers loanee Marcin Brzozowski who drops to the bench. Meanwhile Gabriel Rogers comes into the starting line-up with Lawson D'Ath dropping out of the squad tonight due to injury.

Match officials for the National League match between Yeovil Town and Sutton United have been published. The match takes place on Tuesday 3rd September 2019 (tonight) with a 7.45p.m. kick-off at Huish Park. The man in charge of the fixture will be referee Matthew Russell (Hampshire).

Nine games into the 2019-20 season and Yeovil Town are still being given a set of officials they've never seen before, in terms of their listed status. Mr Russell is no exception, having only been promoted to the National League Premier division level over this summer. He's taken charge of three matches at this level, raising 12 yellow cards and one red card. He didn't muck about with the dismissal, sending off Ebbsfleet United's Jack King just eight minutes into the new season for a professional foul, although that doesn't appear to have attracted too much controversy.

Mr Russell will be assisted by Craig Scriven (Somerset) and Daniel Flynn (Bristol). The Fourth Official will be Richard Lawrence (Devon).

The Football League have issued a statement concerning their approach to the 2020-21 season, in the wake of Bury's expulsion from the league. They are currently operating with 71 clubs for the 2019-20 campaign, with League One holding just 23 clubs, due to Bury's fixture list being removed from the calendar. With the dust having settled, and fellow League One side Bolton Wanderers having financially stabilised for the foreseeable future, attention has now turned to what will happen next May. The League's statement reminds readers why the Shakers' had their membership withdrawn:

"The EFL Board reached the decision to withdraw Bury FC's membership in accordance with the Articles of Association as adopted by the EFL and all member clubs. With regret, this action was taken in the absence of evidence of Bury FC's ability to meet its financial commitments, whether by the current ownership or any other credible buyer for the Club. Withdrawal of membership was a consequence of severe financial problems at Bury FC over an extended period of time, which had recently led to an insolvency event and a 12-point deduction."

The League had already confirmed that at the end of the 2019-20 season, they will now only relegate three clubs from League One (with Bury implicitly being the fourth), whilst the usual four promotion places will be in place at the top of League Two. However, in terms of League Two relegation, the EFL have not been specific, having only said that they would table the issue to member clubs at a September 2019 club meeting involving Chief Executives and Chairmen.

They have now issued a statement that appears to act as a discussion paper for that meeting, acknowledging recent campaigning from Bury North MP James Frith and Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham, who are attempting to get Bury readmitted into the EFL at League Two level for the 2020-21 season. Such a move is unprecedented, given that in the past clubs that have been expelled or have had to resign from the Football League have had to work their way back up through the English Football Pyramid, applying to the Football Association for admittance into a tier of football that would reflect their status. The EFL statement draws attention to that process and says the only current method clubs have of entering the Football League is via promotion from the National League:

"The Board recognises the efforts being made by supporters' groups, local authorities and political leaders and their desire for Bury FC to re-enter the EFL from the 2020-21 season. However, the only established procedure for entry to the EFL is through promotion from the National League as part of the wider football pyramid. There is no precedent for a Club to enter the EFL directly through an application for admission or readmission following withdrawal of membership. In the current circumstances, the process by which a former EFL Club would obtain re-entry to the league system in England is via an application to the Football Association. On consideration of that application, the FA would determine the appropriate League for entry, subject to them meeting the relevant entry requirements of that League."

Despite the existing rules and conventions, the EFL adds that it has put on the agenda an agreement to discuss both Bury's position and ultimately decide what happens with the League Two relegation slots at the end of the 2019-20 season. The League explained this would happen regardless of past convention, to get the mood from the mrember clubs:

"Notwithstanding the above, and in acknowledgement of the extreme nature of the problems at Bury FC, the EFL Board had agreed it is appropriate to discuss the matter with member Clubs. This is a complex situation that raises questions of due process, precedent and fairness as well as financial implications. The EFL will consult with its Clubs over the coming weeks. Prior to formal consideration by any league competition of an eventual application from Bury FC to return to league football, clear evidence would be required of the Club’s financial viability and its ability to fulfil its ongoing commitments."

The current default approach would be for League Two to relegate only one club at the end of the 2019-20 season, and to promote two clubs from the National League. This would ripple down the football pyramid until it reached a point where all leagues were back up to their defined number of member clubs. However, in the above proposal for Bury to be readmitted at League Two level, then two clubs would be relegated as normal, with Bury's position acting as if they had been relegated from League One. Whilst this doesn't affect the thoughts of National League clubs, the Chairmen of Oldham Athletic (22nd, League Two), Stevenage (23rd) and Scunthorpe United (24th) may hold strong opinions on how Bury's fate should be decided.

There is no firm date set for the Football League to discuss the matter at this stage.

On Saturday, Yeovil Town supporters finally got some news concerning the long-running takeover saga at Huish Park. With prospective co-owner Scott Priestnall making his first visit to Somerset of the 2019-20 season proper, he was interviewed about progress. The latest Taff's Gloversblog entry centres around where things stand right now, based on the facts available, and then sprinkles in a few views on what was said. Read on, via the link below, and feel free to post your own views on what is happening.

Yeovil Town have brought in former Coventry City, Portsmouth and Dagenham and Redbridge goalkeeper Liam O'Brien. The 27 year old is a free agent having left the Sky Blues and his arrival would suggest that Stuart Nelson's groin injury is going to keep him out for the foreseeable future - a situation that has left the Glovers down to just one goalkeeper in their last two matches.

Born in Ruislip on November 30th 1991, he is a former Queens Park Rangers and Portsmouth youth product. He was let go by QPR in February 2008, with him moving to Fratton Park, getting a scholarship deal with them in that summer. He didn't get as far as making a senior appearance for them, but was an unused substitute on a scattering of occasions. He played for Eastbourne Borough on loan in September 2010, making one appearance.

O'Brien moved to Barnet in January 2011, playing at League Two level where he made 23 appearances across three seasons. He also had a five game loan spell with Hastings United during the 2012-13 campaign as a short term loan deal. He spent the 2013-14 campaign on the books of Brentford but had to compete with three other goalkeepers and so struggled to get near their first team.

Instead he switched to Dagenham and Redbridge where he enjoyed the most fruitful part of his career so far, playing 39 times in League Two for them across a two year spell, although unfortunately was their keeper when they dropped out of the Football League. In 2016 he switched back to Portsmouth and finally got his debut for the club - eight years after signing for them originally. That came at Huish Park in an August 2016 EFL Trophy tie that saw the Glovers beat a second string Pompey side 4-3 on the night.

He's spent the last two seasons playing for Coventry City where he played a small part in their promotion from League Two, ultimately making 19 appearances for them across two seasons. He was released at the end of the campaign with his last first team appearance for the Sky Blues coming in November 2018.

O'Brien will wear the No.27 shirt whilst at the club, and is eligible to play against Sutton United. The club have specifically described his contract at Huish Park as "undisclosed" meaning the length of the deal will not be made public.

Yeovil Town have confirmed that they have completed a loan move for Brighton and Hove Albion winger James Tilley. The 21 year old, who also has experience with League of Ireland side Cork City, has agreed to sign for the club on a loan deal until the end of the 2019-20 season.

The left-footer can play on the wing or in a variety of attacking positions, and so should provide competition for the likes of Lawson D'Ath and Myles Hippolyte in attacking roles that sit either just behind or support the main front line strikers.

For a full profile on James, see the earlier article, linked below. He will wear the No.28 shirt during his time with the club and is eligible to play against Sutton United on Tuesday night.

Yeovil Town are being linked with a move for Brighton and Hove Albion winger James Tilley. He is a 21 year old left-footed player who can play either in a wide position, an attacking midfield position, or as a striker. He is named by the Football Inside website, who believe he is going to join the club on a loan arrangement until the end of the 2019-20 season.

Born in Billingshurst, West Sussex on June 13th 1998, he is a product of Brighton's Academy system that has made a scattering of first team appearances. Having been on their books since he was 12 years old, he made his debut for Brighton as a 95th minute substitute on the final day of the 2014-15 season, whilst still 16 years old. Since then he has managed two more substitute appearances, both in the League Cup. The last of those gave him his first goal, as he scored the winner against Barnet in the EFL Cup at the Amex Stadium.

In addition to his minimal first team appearances, he has also represented Brighton's Under-21 team in the EFL Trophy, making ten appearances and scoring one goal. During the first half of 2019, James went out on loan to League Of Ireland club Cork City, where he made 22 appearances, scoring one goal in a League Cup match against Cobh Rangers.

Tilley's father is Chairman of Sussex County League club Billingshurst. He is under contract with Brighton until June 2020. The obvious connection here would be former Yeovil Town midfielder Andrew Crofts, who had been lined up as a player-coach to work under Darren Sarll, but jumped ship during pre-season to go and take up a coaching position within Brighton Under-23s.

Yeovil Town left-back Carl Dickinson had been named in the National League's own Team Of The Week for the weekend just gone. The selection is compiled by League sponsors Vanarama and they have included the defender after he played 90 minutes in the 3-1 victory against his old club Notts County. Carl put in a strong performance at the back, but also provided the free kick that sparked Yeovil's second goal of the afternoon, eventually scored by Luke Wilkinson.

Carl has had to play a variety of roles this season, with him playing as a left-sided central defender in a 3-4-1-2, a left wing-back in the same formation and also on Saturday a more conventional full-back position in the 4-3-1-2 that was utilised against the Magpies.

For those who want to view match highlights of Yeovil Town's 3-1 win over Notts County these are now available online. The National League match saw the Glovers triumph via goals from Courtney Duffus, Luke Wilkinson and Myles Hippolyte with the visitors grabbing an ultra-late penalty. There is just under four minutes worth of footage available, via the YouTube clip below.

Yeovil Town central defender Luke Wilkinson has been included in the Team Of The Day for the weekend just gone. The former Stevenage player is the first Glovers representative of the 2019-20 season, having played 90 minutes in the 3-1 win over Notts County on Saturday. Luke scored Yeovil's middle goal in the 81st minute when he headed home from a Carl Dickinson free kick that Charlie Lee had nodded across the face of the box.

Wilkinson has had a disruptive start to his new life back in his home county of Somerset. A pre-season injury prevented him from making his debut until August 24th, when he came on as a late substitute against Maidenhead United, whilst he only started his first match for the club during the recent Bank Holiday Monday fixture against Dagenham and Redbridge, making Saturday's match his third game for the Glovers.

The eleven players and manager have been selected by The Non-League Paper and are as follows:

Following Saturday afternoon's 3-1 win over Notts County at Huish Park, Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll spoke to the BBC about the game. With questions from local journalist Chris Spittles, in an interview for BBC Somerset, Darren's verdict on the match can be read in full, via the link below.